Marilyn Athas, nee Carres, of Downers Grove, age 85. Beloved wife of Gus; loving mother of Paula Vlahakos, James (Hannah) and Christopher (Kristin) Athas; proud grandmother of Sofia (Mark) Perrin, Christina Vlahakos, Georgiana Vlahakos, Gus Athas, Mina Athas, Samuel Athas, Penelope Athas and Constantine Athas; dear sister of the late Ernest (late Margaret) Carres; fond aunt of Kristi Ann (Eric) Landorf; great-aunt of Arthur James and George Landorf; fond aunt, great-aunt, cousin and Godmother of many others.

After graduating from Beloit College, Marilyn went to work for Carres Women's Apparel, the family clothing boutique, making frequent trips to New York as a fashion buyer.  After the birth of her children, the business was closed and the family moved to Downers Grove.  Marilyn became active in the PTA as well as holding board positions with The Infant Welfare Society and The Adler Planetarium.  Aside from her family, she would say that her most important contributions were to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church. She was a member of Philoptochos, a founding member of Holy Apostles Resource Center (HARC), served on the Parish Council, was a founding member of the Welcome Ministry, and a founding member of the Mosaic church newsletter where she remained involved until her retirement in 2023.

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All to meet Saturday at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 2501 S. Wolf Rd., Westchester for a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Service. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Chris J. Balodimas, Funeral Director. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.